Initial Appearance:
* Initially presented as a heartless and abusive figure: Mrs. Lockton is depicted as a wealthy, arrogant woman who treats Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, with cruelty and disrespect. She is obsessed with appearances and uses her wealth to maintain a facade of respectability, while exploiting her slaves.
* Driven by fear and insecurity: She demonstrates a deep fear of losing her status and wealth, which fuels her abusive behavior. She perceives Isabel as a threat to her image and constantly seeks to control her.
Transformation Throughout the Story:
* Increasing desperation and paranoia: As the war progresses and the threat of the British losing the war grows, Mrs. Lockton becomes more desperate and increasingly paranoid. Her fear of losing her wealth and status intensifies.
* Growing cruelty: The desperation leads to a further escalation of her cruelty towards Isabel and Ruth. She becomes more manipulative, using threats and intimidation to control their actions.
* Self-preservation over principle: When faced with the possibility of losing her wealth and position, Mrs. Lockton betrays her own ideals, turning her back on the principles she had once claimed to hold. She prioritizes self-preservation above all else.
* A tragic figure: While her cruelty cannot be excused, Mrs. Lockton can also be seen as a tragic figure. Her own insecurities and desperation lead her to make terrible choices, ultimately contributing to her own downfall.
Final State:
* Ultimately loses everything: The consequences of her actions eventually catch up to her. The war ends, and she loses her wealth and status, leaving her a broken and isolated figure.
* Unchanged at her core: Despite the dramatic external changes, Mrs. Lockton's core personality remains unchanged. Her fear, insecurity, and lack of empathy continue to define her, preventing her from finding true redemption.
Overall, Mrs. Lockton's journey is one of decline and self-destruction. While her transformation is significant, it ultimately reveals the depths of her cruelty and the tragic consequences of her actions.